Tag: Mary Simonsen

August Travels: Anne Elliot Goes to Lyme by Mary Simonsen

Jane Austen’s characters see their fair share of travels. Elizabeth travels to Hunsford to see Charlotte. Catherine Morland treks to Bath. Frank Churchill journeys to Highbury. Captain Wentworth sails the seas with His Majesty’s navy. The Dashwoods sojourn to Barton Cottage after the loss of their home, thence to London, while Sir Thomas Bertram voyages all the …

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Jealousy in July: Marianne Behaves Badly – Elinor Responds by Mary Simonsen

  Is Caroline Bingley green with envy as she notices Mr. Darcy’s attentions to Elizabeth Bennet? Does Emma Woodhouse wish unspeakable horrors on Harriet Smith because of Harriet’s crush on Mr. Knightley? After Willoughby, does Marianne covet Elinor’s more sensible behaviour? We could go on for ages, but it’s only for this month so don’t …

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Jealousy in July: Elinor Dashwood and Lucy Steele Discuss Edward Ferrars by Mary Simonsen

Is Caroline Bingley green with envy as she notices Mr. Darcy’s attentions to Elizabeth Bennet? Does Emma Woodhouse wish unspeakable horrors on Harriet Smith because of Harriet’s crush on Mr. Knightley? After Willoughby, does Marianne covet Elinor’s more sensible behaviour? We could go on for ages, but it’s only for this month so don’t miss …

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Jane Austen and her Times by Mary Simonsen

Welcome to All Things Austen in April! Today, I am writing about the world Jane Austen lived in. Jane Austen was born at a fascinating time. In America, His Majesty’s oldest colony was in revolt, and the war would rage on for eight very long years. Another revolution played a larger role in Jane’s life. The French Revolution …

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P&P 200 – Darcy Appears at Church on Good Friday by Mary Simonsen

“Darcy, you are grinding your teeth,” Colonel Fitzwilliam muttered to his pew mate. “You are mistaken, Fitzwilliam. I was attempting to swallow what the parson is serving.” “You have a tendency to grind your teeth when you are displeased. I take it that Mr. Collins’s sermon is not resonating with you.” “Or you or we would …

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Colonel Brandon and Elinor Dashwood – Part 2 – Mary Simonsen

Marianne looked out the parlor window. “What are they talking about?” she asked her mother. “Of whom are you speaking?” Mrs. Dashwood asked. “Elinor and Colonel Brandon. They have been talking for a half an hour. What can they possibly be discussing? The Colonel is so boring. I cannot imagine what is holding Elinor’s interest.” …

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Colonel Brandon and Elinor Dashwood – Part 1 – Mary Simonsen

  Have you ever wanted to read how a conversation would go between Darcy and Captain Wentworth? Have you ever wished Caroline Bingley might make the acquaintance of Sir Walter Elliot? Have you ever thought Mrs. Norris and Lady Catherine could be best buds? Then you’ll love March Madness where we combine characters from Jane …

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Mr. and Mrs. Collins Celebrate Their First Anniversary by Mary Simonsen

January 1812 Mr. Collins looked adoringly at his wife who was busy making some minor repairs to a tablecloth. Had not Lady Catherine commented on his wife’s many fine qualities, not the least of which was her frugality and ability to make the most of her income by mending and gardening? From the corner of her …

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Is Jane Bennet a Saint? by Mary Simonsen

To take the good of everybody’s character and make it still better, and say nothing of the bad–belongs to you alone. Elizabeth Bennet to her sister Jane Like the Bennets, I have a lot of sisters—five in fact. My real-life experience has always colored my view of the interactions between Lizzy and Jane because none …

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Darcy Reflects on his Parents’ Marriage by Mary Simonsen

Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire – November 15, 1812 Tomorrow I am to be married, Darcy thought, as he enjoyed a glass of port in his bedchamber. Although delighted by the prospect of sharing his life with the woman he loved, his thoughts turned to another couple—that of his parents, David Darcy and Lady Anne Fitzwilliam. As …

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